For Tolly Tams it will be a real family affair when he steps into the ring tonight at the Well Wishers boxing show.
Tolly, 19, makes his first appearance between the ropes after training for this evening’s sellout charity event at Rushall Labour Club.
And Tolly, who works on the temporary staffing bank as a Clinical Support Worker on Ward 4 and the Emergency Department at Walsall Manor Hospital, will have no shortage of support from his family, who are all connected to the organisation.
He will be backed by mum Bumpy Tams, Academy Skills Trainer, and dad Andy, Undergraduate Medical Education Team (UMET) Manager/Advanced Nurse Practitioner. Both are based at Walsall Manor Hospital.
Bumpy has worked for the Trust for 24 years and Andy a decade longer, while Tolly has worked at the Manor for a year.
In addition, friend Jack Greenwood-Evans, who until recently worked in electronic staff record at the Trust, and his dad Lee Evans, who works in mental health for Walsall Healthcare, will be cheering him on.
“I’m grateful for the support and I’m just hoping to complete the fight and go the full three rounds and raise lots of money for Well Wishers because it’s such a good cause,” said Tolly.
“I’m fighting a chap called Jack Parsons who’s fought before so he’s got more experience than me but I’m hoping that the training I’ve done will stand me in good stead and we can put on a show.
“I’ve had training sessions in Martin Gethin’s gym and been told my strength is my footwork so I’m hoping to stay one step ahead!
“I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to it and think I’ll stick at it afterwards.”
Tolly has already proved he’s a good sport and game for a laugh as this is the THIRD different Well Wishers event he’s signed up for. He was in Trust’s Got Talent last year and has entered the London Landmarks half marathon.
In the talent show he appeared with Eastlands Grove, his indie band likened to The Stone Roses and Oasis that he is part of with drummer Jack Greenwood-Evans, who is now studying microbiology at Manchester University.
The band takes its name from the Stafford street where Jack and the bassist live. Tolly writes songs and plays lead guitar.
This year’s proceeds will go to Walsall Healthcare’s Paediatric Assessment Unit and Children’s Emergency Department to make the area look less clinical, as well as making the breaking news/family room a more peaceful setting. Toys will also be bought for bays and waiting areas.
The doors open at Rushall Labour Club at 7pm and the first bout is at 8.15pm.